Golf indoor practice device



March 1963 L. w. SUMEG] 3,083,016

GOLF INDOOR PRACTICE DEVICE Filed Aug. 11, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 "ma-w INVENTOR. [AWfiE/VCE 504456! WM .49,

March 26, 1963 L. w. SUMEGI 3,083,016

GOLF INDOOR PRACTICE DEVICE Filed Aug. 11, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 6 3 IN VEN TOR.

lAwewc-nlfiumea/ Arrox? 75 United States Patent Ofilice 3,083,016 Patentedl,Mar. 26, 1953 3,083,016 GOLF INDQOR PRACTICE DEVICE Lawrence W. Sumegi, 3014 E. 126th St., Cleveland, {ihio Filed Aug. 11, 1960, Ser. No. 48,947 Claims. (Cl. 273-35) The present invention relates to a golf swing teaching and practicing device.

The principal object of the invention is the provision of a novel and improved golf swing teaching and practicing device by the use of which a person can readily learn, practice and obtain the feel of the correct golf swing for different golf clubs.

Further objects of the invention are the provision of a novel and improved device of the character referred to which will be convenient to use in the home or elsewhere, simple and inexpensive in construction, can be readily adjusted to golfers of different height and ability, different clubs, and which will strengthen the wrist, etc., of the user.

The invention resides in certain constructions, combinations and arrangements of parts and further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which it relates from the following description of the preferred embodiment described with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a picture view of a person using a golf swing teaching and practicing device embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the person in a diiferent position;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the platform member of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the platform member shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the handle and tension members of the device shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is an end elevation of the handle member looking from the right of FIG. 5.

The preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings comprise three main parts or members: a handle member A, a floor-like platform member B upon which the user of the device stands; and a resilient member in the form of a tension spring C connected to the handle member A and to the platform member C.

The handle member A comprises a straight shaft-like hand gripping portion 11 simulating the gripping section of a golf club and a bail-like portion 11 comprising a straight section 12 extending generally parallel with the gripping section of the shaft-like portion 1i and connected thereto by bail sections which first diverge from the straight section 12 in directions away from the gripping section and subsequently returning to the shaft-like portion. In the embodiment of the invention shown the straight shaft-like gripping portion 10 of the handle member A is approximately nine inches long, the straight sec tion 12 of the bail-like portion 11 is approximately ten inches long with the additional inch extending forwardly of the front end of the straight shaft-like portion ill of the handle member. The forward or left-hand end of the straight section 12 of the bail-like portion 11 of the handle member A is connected to the forward end of the straight shaft-like portion 10 of the handle member A by a bail section comprising two relatively straight parts 15, 16, the first of which is an extension of the forward end of the straight bail section 12, is approximately one and one-half inches long and diverges outwardly from the straight bail section 12 at an angle of approximately to The second part 16 of the bail is an extension of the first part 15 circled to form an opening or eye 17 and bent back approximately parallel with the first to form an angle of about 35 with the gripping section 10 of the handle member A.

The rear or right-hand end of the bail-like section 12 of the bail portion of the handle member A is connected to the rear end of the straight shaft-like gripping portion 10 of the handle member by a bail section comprising three relatively straight parts, the first of which, designated 20, is an extension of the rear end of the bail section 12, is approximately one and one-half inches long and diverges outwardly and forwardly of the straight bail section 12 making an angle therewith of approximately 45. The second part 21 of the bail section 12 is an extension of the first part bent back upon itself approximately parallel with the first and spaced therefrom to provide a groove or aperture 22 adjacent to the right-hand or rear end of the handle. The third part 23 is an extension of the second and connects with the right-hand end of the gripping section of the handle member to form an angle of about 35 In the embodiment shown the gripping and bail-like portions of the handle A are separate fixedly secured together, and the bail-like part is made of rod or heavy wire bent as indicated, but it is to be understood that the handle member of the device may be constructed in any suitable manner, for example, it may be made of a single piece of heavy sheet metal. a

The platform member B shown is a rectangular boardlike member approximately 18 inches by 30 inches and having means adjacent to one longitudinal edge 28 for detachably connecting the lower end of the resilient mem ber C at different positions longitudinally of the length of the platform. When using the device a person stands on the platform member B facing the edge 28. The platform B, as shown, has two heavy longitudinal stripes 30, 31, spaced inwardly of the edge adjacent to which the resilient member C is adjustably connected and a similar marking 32 extends transversely of the first approximately midway between the ends of the platform. The stripes or markings 31, 32 designate the areas within which the feet of the person using the device should be positioned. Relatively lighter longitudinal lines 33 are provided parallel to the longitudinal line 31 and spaced inwardly thereof. These lines assist the user in positioning his feet in the desired position towards and from the heavy longitudinal marking 31 when practicing the correct swingfor different golf clubs.

In the embodiment shown the resilient member C is in the form of a relatively heavy tension spring. The upper end of the spring is detachably connected to the handle member by an elongated C-chain-type link 35. The upper end of the link can be positioned either in the eye 17 of the handle member A or connected to the bail portion of the handle by being hooked over the bail section 12' or the part 15' of the section adjacent thereto.

The lower end of the resilient member or tension spring C is, as previously stated, preferably detachably connected to the platform B in such a manner that it can be adjusted or moved to different positions along the longitudinal edge 28 of the platform. As shown, the lower end of the resilient member or spring C is provided with an S-chain-type link 36 and the means for detachably connecting it to the platform B is a plurality of pins 40 driven in the edge 28 of the platform and projecting through slots 41, 42, 43 extending through the platform B and spaced approximately an inch from the edge 28. The slots are in the heavy white line 30 adjacent to the edge 28. The end slots 41, 43 open into the opposite edges of the platform adjacent to the edge 28 and extend inwardly of the platform approximately 1 /2 inches. The slot 42 extends to within approximately six inches of the slots 41, 43. As can be readily understood, the

end of the S-link, other than the end connected to the spring C, can be readily moved from one pin 40 to another. The pins are preferably spaced approximately one inch apart.

The apparatus is adjusted for the different clubs of a set of golf clubs by changing the connection of the lower end of the spring along the central section of the platform B, it being assumed that the person using the device always stands in the same position longitudinally of the platform. Alternatively a single connection could be utilized and the person using the apparatus move his position longitudinally of the platform for the different clubs. The apparatus can be adjusted for people of different height and strength by substituting one Spring C for another and/ or by substituting, at one or both ends of the spring C, links of diflerent length. The back stroke can be practiced by connecting the lower end of the spring to the platform B adjacent to it left-hand end as viewed in the drawings and the follow through by conmeeting the spring to the platform adjacent to its righthand side or end.

It is also to be understood that any suitable means for attaching the resilient member C to the platform B, other than that illustrated, may be employed.

The present invention also contemplates connecting the lower end of the resilient member C to any floor structure in any manner, such as, by the use of a screw eye and the connection need not be adjustable, as previously mentioned, because the person can adjust his position for the various clubs, etc., rather than maintain the same position and adjust the connection of the lower end of the resilient member C to the floor structure.

If desired, a small metal member 45 may be detachably connected to the platform B adjacent to the edge 2-8 to represent or indicate the golf ball relative to the transverse line 32. This assists in maintaining the head etc., in the correct position behind or ahead of the ball, etc. i

The fact that the upper end of the resilient member C is connected to the handle member A at a position spaced from the gripping portion of the handle member causes the handle to try to turn in the hands of the user. This requires a firm grasp upon the grip portion of the handle member and strengthens the user's grip. With the upper end of the resilient member C connected to the handle member A so that it can slide from one end of the bail to the other, the inclination and proportions of the bail sections 12 and 15 are such that as the user simulates a golf swing the upper link 35 moves from the forward end of the part 15'of the bail to a position in the groove 22 at the opposite end of the bail at the proper time when the wrists should be broken. When movement of the link 35 along the straight'portion 15 commences, which occurs at the position in the back swing where the wrist should be broken, it continues therealong and along the straight section 12 very rapidly and with what might be called a snap action. If desired, the slot 22 at the rear or right-hand end of the handle member may be omitted. Its main purpose is to trap the link 35 so that one can then practice the follow through with the link snapping back to the other end of the baillike portion as the down swing is completed.

FIGURES l and 2 illustrate the posit-ions at approximately opposite ends of the striking Zone of a golf swing respectively and one can practice this portion of the swing by moving from one position to the other while maintaining the tension member C in position to obliterate the white line 30 from view while standing in a comfortable position behind the heavy lines. The member 45 assists the user in maintaining hi head in the correct position relative to the position of the ball lengthwise of the line of play. If it is considered helpful the line 30' on the platform B may be pointed to some more or less distant object to the left of the golfer. The position in the back swing just before the position at which the wrist should be broken is shown in full lines in FIG. 1. The dot-dash lines show the position shortly after the wrists have been broken.

As previously suggested the back swing can be practiced by moving the lower end of the resilient member C to the left-hand end of the platform B, as viewed in the drawings and positioning the upper link 35 in the eye 17 of the handle member. With the upper link of the resilient member in the same position the follow through can be practiced by moving the lower end of the resilient member to the right-hand end of the platform B.

Putting can be practiced by placing a ball upon the white line 30 on the slots 41 to 43, which are continuations thereof. For practicing putting the platform intermediate the slots 49, 41, 42 should preferably be grooved.

From the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention it will be apparent that there has been provided a novel and improved device for teaching and practicing the correct golf swing, which is readily adjustable for practicing back swing, striking, and follow through areas of the swing as used for the diiferent clubs of a golf set and for people of different height and abilities, which apparatus is relatively simple in construction and readily usable either indoors or outdoors.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in considerable detail the invention is not limited to the particular construction of apparatus shown and it is the intention to hereby cover all modifications thereof which come within the practice of those skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a golf swing teaching and practicing device, a handle member comprising a shaft-like gripping portion adapted for hand gripping and a bail-like portion having: a straight section spaced from and extending generally parallel with said gripping portion; and a bail section connecting an end of said gripping portion and an end of said straight section, said bail section having: a first part including a straight portion diverging from said end, of said straight section of said bail-like portion in a direction away from said end of said gripping portion adjacent thereto; and a second part extending from said first part to said end of said gripping portion, the junction of said first and second parts of said bailsection being ofiset from said gripping portion both lengthwise and transversely of said gripping portion and a resilient member having one end connected to said bail section, the other end of said resilient member being adapted to be connected to a floor-like horizontal structure.

2. A golf swing teaching and practicing device as defined in claim 1 in which the bail-like portion of the handle member has a slot-like aperture adjacent to the end of said straight section opposite said end having said first part diverging therefrom, said slot-like aperture being inclined away from said shaft-like portion and in the direction toward said bail section, and means for connecting said resilient member to said bail-like portion for movement successively along said straight portion of said first part and said straight section.

3. In a golf swing teaching and practicing device, a handle member comprising a shaft-like gripping portion adapted for hand gripping and a bail-like portion having:

a straight section spaced from and extending generally parallel with said gripping portion; and a bail section connecting an end of said gripping portion and an end of said straight section, said bail section having: a first part including a straight portion diverging from said end of said straight section of said bail-like portion in a direction away from said end of said gripping portion adjacent thereto; and a second part extending from said first part to said end of said gripping portion, the junction of said first and second parts of said bail section being offset from said gripping portion both lengthwise and transversely of said gripping portion; a resilient member, means connecting one end of said resilient member to said bail section, and means for connecting the other end of said resilient member to a horizontal floor-like support.

4. A golf swing teaching and practicing device as defined in claim 3 further comprising a horizontal floorlike support having means for changing the position at which said resilient member is connected to said horizontal floor-like support.

5. A golf swing teaching and practicing device as defined in claim 3 further comprising means for movably connecting said resilient member to said bail section for movement successively along said straight portion of said first part and said straight section.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,160,722 Cunningham May 30, 1939 2,498,006 Ridill Feb. 21, 1950 2,606,026 Young Aug. 5, 1952 2,788,214 Tilden Apr. 9, i957 2,858,133 Self Oct. 28, 1958 

1. IN A GOLF SWING TEACHING AND PRACTICING DEVICE, A HANDLE MEMBER COMPRISING A SHAFT-LIKE GRIPPING PORTION ADAPTED FOR HAND GRIPPING AND A BAIL-LIKE PORTION HAVING: A STRAIGHT SECTION SPACED FROM AND EXTENDING GENERALLY PARALLEL WITH SAID GRIPPING PORTION; AND A BAIL SECTION CONNECTING AN END OF SAID GRIPPING PORTION AND AN END OF SAID STRAIGHT SECTION, SAID BAIL SECTION HAVING: A FIRST PART INCLUDING A STRAIGHT PORTION DIVERGING FROM SAID END, OF SAID STRAIGHT SECTION OF SAID BAIL-LIKE PORTION IN A DIRECTION AWAY FROM SAID END OF SAID GRIPPING PORTION ADJACENT THERETO; AND A SECOND PART EXTENDING FROM SAID FIRST PART TO SAID END OF SAID GRIPPING PORTION, THE JUNCTION OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND PARTS OF SAID BAILSECTION BEING OFFSET FROM SAID GRIPPING PORTION BOTH LENGTHWISE AND TRANSVERSELY OF SAID GRIPPING PORTION AND A RESILIENT MEMBER HAVING ONE END CONNECTED TO SAID BAIL SECTION, THE OTHER END OF SAID RESILIENT MEMBER BEING ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED TO A FLOOR-LIKE HORIZONTAL STRUCTURE. 